Panel adopts amendment to TEAMS Act bill, removing special five‑year contracts for 20+ year teachers

The Education Policy Committee adopted an amendment to House Bill 122 that changes how the TEAMS teacher incentive contract treats long‑service teachers.

Representative Baker, who offered the amendment, said it removes language that previously required a five‑year contract for participating teachers with more than 20 years’ service. The amendment replaces that provision with language stating that, beginning Oct. 1, 2026, no new contract under the section shall exceed the terms provided elsewhere in the statute and that contracts executed before that date shall not be terminated because of the change.

The TEAMS program provides stipends to incentivize certified math and science teachers and other certified educators: members described a structure of $5,000 for initial TEAMS participation, another $5,000 for either STEM certification or National Board Certification (NBCT), and additional payments for hard‑to‑staff or at‑risk schools — figures discussed in committee ranged up to $15,000 to $20,000 in total depending on designation.

Members debated whether the change would harm recruitment or reduce incentives. Representative Drummond and others asked whether the amendment would make the program less attractive to seasoned, tenured teachers; sponsors said the change treats all participants the same going forward and preserves existing contracts until they expire. Representative Gidley asked that the committee avoid unintended consequences for recruitment. The amendment was adopted by voice vote; the committee then gave HB122 a favorable report as amended.

The committee’s action does not change the program’s core incentives or the fact that enrollment in TEAMS contracts is voluntary; it affects the maximum term of future contracts and clarifies how existing five‑year contracts will be handled.